VIRGINIA TANDARDS OF LEARNING ASSESSMENTS Spring …earthquake? A Pressure buildup within the mantle B Slippage along faults within Earth’s crust C Weathering along coastlines D

VIRGINIA

STANDARDS OF LEARNING ASSESSMENTS

Spring 2003 Released Test

END OF COURSEEARTH SCIENCE

Property of the Virginia Department of Education� 2003 by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Education, James Monroe Building, 101 N. 14th Street,Richmond, Virginia, 23219. All rights reserved. Except as permitted by law, this material may not be reproduced orused in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording, or by anyinformation storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the copyright owner. Commonwealth ofVirginia public school educators may photocopy or print any portion of these Released Tests for educational purposeswithout requesting permission. All others should direct their requests to the Commonwealth of Virginia Departmentof Education at (804) 225-2102, Division of Assessment and Reporting.

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DIRECTIONSRead each question carefully and choose the bestanswer.

SAMPLE

Which of these can be used to measureatmospheric pressure?

A An anemometerB A barometer �

C A thermometerD A seismometer

1

When the Earth is at its greatestdistance from the sun, its NorthernHemisphere is tilted toward the sun, asshown in the drawing. What seasontakes place in the SouthernHemisphere at this time?

A SpringB SummerC AutumnD Winter �

2 Which of these can determine the sizeof grains in igneous rocks?

F Amount of rare mineralsG Distance from a plate boundaryH Size of the volcanoJ Cooling rate of molten rock �

3 Which element in Earth’s atmosphereis essential for human life and isextremely rare or nonexistent in theatmospheres of other planets in oursolar system?

A Carbon dioxideB HydrogenC NitrogenD Oxygen �

Sun

EarthN

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Earth Science

22003 Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Education

4

The picture above shows a hydrometerin water. The same hydrometer wasplaced in the liquids below. Whichliquid is denser than water?

5 Which of the following is part of avalid process for supporting ahypothesis?

A Altering resultsB Single trialsC Experimentation �

D Limited research

6 The numerous rocks orbiting the sunbetween Jupiter and Mars are —

F cometsG asteroids �

H meteoritesJ satellites

7 What property is shared by manygemstones, such as diamonds, rubies,sapphires, emeralds, and topaz?

A Extreme hardness �

B High specific gravityC Carbon as the primary elementD Ductility

F

G

H

J

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8

Most meteorites that fall to Earth areeither chondrites or achondrites. Thecharts above show the composition ofthese meteorites. Based on thesecharts, which is a valid conclusion?

F Both types are predominately pyroxene.G Both types are predominately olivine.H Achondrites contain more feldspar. �

J Achondrites contain more nickel-iron.

9

The drawing above shows the watertable in the vicinity of a newly drilledwell. Which of the drawings belowshows the appearance of the watertable several months later when thewell has been in regular use?

Mineral

ChondriteP

erce

nta

ge

Pyroxene Feldspar Nickel-iron Troilite Chromite Olivine0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

Mineral

Achondrite

Per

cen

tag

e

Pyroxene Feldspar Olivine Nickel-iron Troilite Chromite0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Waterwell

Water table

A

B

C

D �


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10

According to this map, the meanannual temperature for most of theeastern half of Virginia is between —

F 45�F and 50�FG 50�F and 55�FH 55�F and 60�F �

J 65�F and 70�F

11 The density of a mineral is determinedby its mass and —

A hardnessB lusterC volume �

D shape

12 What causes currents in theatmosphere?

F Ocean waves and currentsG Pressure from the ozone layerH Solar heating of the upper atmosphereJ Warm air rising and cold air sinking �

13

The pictures above represent variousstages of soil development. The correctorder in which these pictures shouldbe ordered is —

A I, II, IV, IIIB III, I, II, IVC II, IV, III, I �

D III, II, IV, I

WI

IAMI

OHINIL

ME

VTNH

MN

RICT

NY

PANJ

DE

MDWV

KY

TN

VA

NC

SC

GAALMSLA

AR

MO

FL

35˚40˚

45˚

50˚

55˚

60˚

65˚

70˚

MA

Mean Annual Temperature

Bedrock beginsto disintegrate

Organic materialsspeed up

disintegration

Horizons formDeveloped soilsupports thick

vegetation

I II III IV

BedrockBedrock BedrockBedrockBedrock BedrockBedrockBedrock BedrockBedrockBedrock

DisintegratingRock

DisintegratingRock

Parent materialParent material

Parent materialParent materialParent materialParent materialC horizonC horizonC horizonC horizon

A horizonA horizon

B horizonB horizon

A horizonA horizon

Organic matter

Organicmatter

Mineralfragments andorganic matter


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14 The first manned-mission to land onthe moon was commanded by NeilArmstrong and was called —

F Apollo 11 �

G Gemini 3H Viking 2J Mariner 7

15 The Marianas Trench in the PacificOcean is 36,160 feet below sea level.This deep oceanic trench is causedby —

A swift ocean currents eroding away theocean floor

B the collapse of an empty magmachamber in a large volcano

C excessive boat traffic disrupting thenormal sedimentation process

D two tectonic plates colliding and oneplunging below the other �

16 The sun emits energy by convertinghydrogen into helium. What is thisprocess called?

F Fusion �

G FissionH Sunspot formationJ Solar wind

17 One part of California is on the PacificPlate, while the remainder of the stateis on the North American Plate. Thetwo plates are moving to the northwestat different speeds, causing one plateto slide past the other. This movementin plates creates a —

A normal faultB reverse faultC strike-slip fault �

D thrust fault

18

On the topographic map provided,what is the elevation of point III?

F 1260 feet �

G 1280 feetH 1300 feetJ 1360 feet

Topographic Map

Contour Interval: 20 feet

I

II

III

1400

1420

1400

1380

13801400

13801360


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19 Which of the following is not a fossilfuel?

A CoalB Wood �

C PetroleumD Natural gas

20 Periodically, there are spectacularmeteor showers on Earth. Theseshowers usually occur because theEarth’s orbit passes through theremains of —

F a starG a comet �

H solar flaresJ the rings of Saturn

21 Which of these pictures shows the lastin the sequence of events?

A

B

C

D

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22 Which of these is important in theformation of clouds?

F The relative length of day and nightG The Coriolis effectH The melting of the polar ice capsJ The cooling of air as it rises �

23 What is usually responsible for anearthquake?

A Pressure buildup within the mantleB Slippage along faults within Earth’s

crust �

C Weathering along coastlinesD Force changes from the moon pulling on

Earth

24 When Venus passes between the Earthand the sun, it is visible as a tiny blackdot on the sun’s bright disk. Why isMars never visible in this same way?

F The orbit of Mars is more eccentric thanthat of Venus.

G The orbit of Mars is outside that of theEarth’s orbit. �

H Mars is too small to be seen against thebackdrop of the sun.

J Mars shines too brightly to be visibleagainst the sun.

25 Wetlands are more prevalent in whichphysiographic province of Virginia?

A Coastal Plain �

B PiedmontC Blue RidgeD Appalachian Plateau

26 If the polar ice caps were to melt, all ofthe following would occur except —

F increased coastal floodingG increased sea levelH decreased ocean salinityJ decreased tidal action �

27 Caves are found in Virginia’s Valleyand Ridge province because the area isunderlain by —

A graniteB shaleC gneissD limestone �


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28 What is one of the major indicationsthat the Earth’s climate has variedover time?

F Land forms carved by glaciers intemperate areas �

G Depletion of oxygen in lakes and riversH Ocean currentsJ Magnetic reversals in layers of rock

29 Why does water move more slowlythrough clay than through humus?

A Clay has greater permeability.B Clay has very small pore spaces. �

C Clay prevents capillary attraction ofwater.

D Clay reduces evaporation rates.

30

Which of the above evolutionary stagesof a massive star is called a supernova?

F 1G 2H 3J 4 �

31 Which of the following minerals, whenin the form of sand, can be used tomanufacture glass?

A GypsumB DiamondC CalciteD Quartz �

32 The two most common ions found inocean water are —

F chloride and sodium �

G potassium and calciumH phosphate and nitrateJ magnesium and sodium

33 If there were a slight increase in theamount of solar energy that reachedthe Earth, there would be animmediate increase in —

A erosionB evaporation �

C volcanic activityD groundwater flow

34 Scientists use volcanoes andearthquake activity to establish —

F plate boundaries �

G lines of latitudeH borders between countriesJ the density of rock layers

Evolution of a Star NeutronStar

BlackHole

1 2 3 4

or


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35

The map shows some of the bedrock inVirginia. Which of these has the oldestexposed bedrock?

A Hightown Valley �

B MontereyC Jack MountainD Bull Pasture

36 Which of the following propertiesrefers to the colored powder resultingfrom rubbing a mineral against aharder surface?

F HardnessG LusterH CleavageJ Streak �

37 Metamorphic rocks whose minerals arearranged in layers or bands arecalled —

A unfoliatedB nonclasticC clasticD foliated �

38 Slate is a fairly common rock that canbe used for roofing shingles. Whatproperty makes it most suitable forthis use?

F It can be split into thin, flat layers. �

G It feels soft and smooth.H It is hard and brittle.J It can occur in different colors.

39

Which planet rotates the fastest?

A MercuryB MarsC Jupiter �

D Saturn

40 Heat and pressure can transformigneous rock into metamorphic rock.What processes can transform igneousrock into sedimentary rock?

F Heat and pressureG Rifting and subductionH Erosion and sedimentation �

J Evaporation and condensation

Hig

htow

n V

alle

y

Mon

tere

y

Jack

Mou

ntai

n

Bul

l Pas

ture

Mercury

Planet

Mars

Jupiter

Saturn

4,878

Diameter(kilometers)

6,787

142,800

120,540

3.3

Mass(1023 kilograms)

6.4

18,990

5,686

58.6 days

Time forCompleteRotation

(Earth time)

1 day

10 hours

11 hours


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41

The mineral in the above table thathas a blue color and will scratchgarnet is —

A pyriteB garnetC magnetiteD topaz �

42

The chart shows the relationshipbetween altitude and air pressure.What is the approximate air pressureat an altitude of 22 kilometers?

F 40 millibars �

G 120 millibarsH 200 millibarsJ 400 millibars

Mineral Identification Table

Mineral Color Hardness Crystal

Garnetyellow-red,green, black

7.5

Ortho-rhombic

Cubic

Magnetite black 6.0 Cubic

Pyritelight,brassyyellow

6.5 Cubic

Topazcolorless,variouscolors

8.0

Change in Pressurewith Altitude

Pressure(millibars)

Alti

tude

(kilo

met

ers)

0 200 400 600 800 1,000100 300 500 700 9000

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

26

28

30

32

34

Cirrusclouds

Mt. Everest

Stratosphere


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43 Which of these is most important indetermining how a rock was formed?

A Color and shapeB Luster and hardnessC Composition and texture �

D Size and weight

44 Which of these parts of a saber-toothedcat was most likely to becomefossilized?

F HairG SkinH MusclesJ Jaws �

45 Government programs to reduce acidrain have resulted in cleaner emissionsfrom U.S. industries in recent years. Asa result, the sulfate concentration inrainwater has declined significantly.But the sulfate concentration in somelakes is showing little, if any, change.Why might this be true?

A There is no connection betweenemissions from industry and the acidityof lake water.

B The sulfate in American lakes isactually coming from industries inEurope and Asia.

C Sulfate that accumulated earlier in thesoil is still being flushed into the lakesby run-off. �

D Individual industries produce feweremissions but the amount ofprecipitation has increased.


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46 Limestone is a valuable resource inVirginia because limestone can beprocessed to make —

F plasticG steelH concrete �

J plywood

47 Lightweight and strong, the metal thathas been recycled with the greatestsuccess is —

A steelB tinC aluminum �

D titanium

48 Photographs of the surface of Marsreveal the presence of sand dunes thatshift over time. These dunesdemonstrate the presence of whatphenomenon on Mars?

F PrecipitationG Winds �

H Magnetic pole reversalsJ Plate tectonics

49 Which planet in the solar system hasan orbit so eccentric that it crosses theorbit of another planet?

A MarsB MercuryC JupiterD Pluto �

50

According to the geologic time chart ofVirginia shown above, the most recentformation in Virginia is the —

F Allegheny MountainsG Chesapeake Bay �

H James RiverJ Taconic Highlands

505 myaCarbonate deposition

on passive margin 420 myaTaconic Highlands

form

Organic material

deposited in coastalswamps

260 myaAllegheny Mountains

form

146 myaAtlantic Ocean opens,James and Roanoke

Rivers develop

Erosionalinterval 5 mya

Yorktownforms

.011 myaChesapeake

Bay forms


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Answer KeyTest

SequenceCorrectAnswer

ReportingCategory Reporting Category Description

1 D 003 Meteorology, Oceanography, and Groundwater

2 J 002 Geology


4 F 001 Scientific Investigation

5 C 001 Scientific Investigation

6 G 004 Astronomy and Space Science

7 A 002 Geology

8 H 001 Scientific Investigation


10 H 001 Scientific Investigation

11 C 002 Geology

12 J 003 Meteorology, Oceanography, and Groundwater

13 C 002 Geology

14 F 004 Astronomy and Space Science

15 D 002 Geology

16 F 004 Astronomy and Space Science

17 C 002 Geology


19 B 002 Geology


21 B 002 Geology


23 B 002 Geology


25 A 002 Geology


27 D 002 Geology

28 F 003 Meteorology, Oceanography, and Groundwater

29 B 002 Geology

30 J 004 Astronomy and Space Science

31 D 002 Geology

32 F 003 Meteorology, Oceanography, and Groundwater

33 B 003 Meteorology, Oceanography, and Groundwater

34 F 002 Geology

35 A 002 Geology

36 J 002 Geology

37 D 002 Geology

38 F 002 Geology

39 C 001 Scientific Investigation

40 H 002 Geology

41 D 002 Geology


43 C 002 Geology

44 J 002 Geology

45 C 003 Meteorology, Oceanography, and Groundwater

46 H 002 Geology

47 C 002 Geology


49 D 004 Astronomy and Space Science

50 G 001 Scientific Investigation


Documents

VIRGINIA TANDARDS OF LEARNING ASSESSMENTS Spring …earthquake? A Pressure buildup within the mantle B Slippage along faults within Earth’s crust C Weathering along coastlines D